On March 13, 2026, the educational theater of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography hosted its first beauty and talent contest, “Miss Academy – 2026”, held in celebration of International Women’s Day. The event brought together students, faculty, and guests for a bright and inspiring evening filled with creativity, beauty, and a festive atmosphere.

The contest marked a new milestone in the life of the Academy and began what is expected to become a beautiful tradition. Participants had the opportunity to showcase not only their appearance but also their talent, intelligence, and charisma.

The performances were evaluated by professionals in the arts. The jury included:

• Madina Unerbaeva, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan and principal ballet soloist at Astana Opera;
• Rustem Seitbekov, ballet artist, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and rehearsal instructor at Astana Opera and the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography;
• Ruslan Alishev, actor at the Kalybek Kuanyshbayev Kazakh National Musical-Drama Theater and director at Theater JAN;
• Alexander Nam, Deputy Director of Astana Ballet.

Nine students from the Academy participated: Adina Tanirbergen, Ayana Zhakasheva, Adiya Tlekkabylova, Adelina Kaldygarina, Aru Adilgerei, Yeldana Kapenova, Shugyla Iglik, Karina Biruleva, and Maral Rakhmedia.

The contest program consisted of several stages. First, the participants introduced themselves and took part in a runway presentation. Then followed the creative round, where they demonstrated talents ranging from singing and dancing to instrumental performance. In the final round, the contestants answered questions from the jury, showcasing their knowledge, wit, and stage presence.

A special feature of the contest was audience participation in selecting the winners. Using a QR code displayed on the screen, guests could vote for their favorite contestants and contribute to determining the titleholders.

The evening was further enriched by creative performances presented outside the competition program. The audience enjoyed musical numbers by the ensemble QAZAQ VOICE, who performed the compositions “Volare” and “Boz Zhorga.” In addition, during the jury’s deliberation, guests listened to the violin piece “Palladio” by Karl Jenkins, performed by Alga Akbike—a laureate of international and national competitions, recipient of the youth award “Daryn,” and a first-year master’s student in the Art Management program.

The audience also heard the kui “Däuletkereidin Küyi” from the epic “Köroğlu,” performed by Talgar Zheniskhanuly, a first-year student of the Creative Art Industry program.

The results of the contest were as follows:

• Audience Choice Award (“Körermeń közayımı”) – Adiya Tlekkabylova;
• Vice-Miss Academy – 2026 – Shugyla Iglik;
• Miss Academy – 2026 – Yeldana Kapenova.

The jury highlighted the high level of organization and expressed confidence that the Miss Academy contest will become an annual tradition at the Academy, celebrating creativity, talent, and student engagement.